Tune Up Podcast

Guitarist Graeme Stephen joins with some of the most creative and in-demand players on the UK folk and jazz scenes for this Tune Up tour. Born in Aberdeen and based in Edinburgh, Stephen is a sensitive and inventive player, influenced by the pre-bop guitar style of Charlie Christian as well as contemporary masters like Bill Frisell. He has won a number of awards including the Jazz Services Promoters Choice Award. In 2008 he was chosen for the Serious/PRS Take 5 initiative. Stephen currently performs with his own Trio, as well the free-improvisation outfit Newt, and is a regular guest with the eclectic Fraser Fifield band. His Sextet was selected for the Jazz Services Promoters' Choice Award 2006 and played at the London Jazz Festival and the Manchester Jazz Festival. It has since expanded to a Septet with the addition of London based cellist Ben Davis of Mercury Music Prize nominees Basquiat Strings. They are joined by saxophonist Phil Bancroft, violinist Chris Stout, Brazillian bassist Mario Caribe and Scottish Jazz Drummer of the Year Stuart Ritchie. Alto saxophonist Martin Kershaw joins the group on the dates between 25th and 27th of March and Fraser Fifield takes over on soprano saxophone and Bulgarian kaval from 1st to the 7th of March.

Both Breabach and Le Vent Du Nord incorporate classic instruments and take a fresh approach to traditional and contemporary folk music. Expect innovation in this not to be missed cross-cultural collaboration.

Two of the most exciting Scottish bands of recent years feature on the third Tune Up Tour 2009. The headlining act for the tour, Frightened Rabbit have been making waves globally over the last two years with memorable tours of the US and further afield. Joining them on the Dundee, Inverness and Stirling dates will be Chemikal Underground’s Phantom Band, whose Checkmate Savage album from earlier this year was met with critical acclaim. We chatted to Scott Hutchison, founder, songwriter, vocalist and lead guitarist with Frightened Rabbit; and Phantom Band’s vocalist, Rick Anthony about the tour which kicks off on Friday 27 November in Fort William. Other acts who will be in support on different dates of the tour are The Moth and The Mirror and As Tall As Lions. For more information and to book tickets for all tour dates visit tuneup.org.uk Frightened Rabbit Tour dates Fri 27th Nov, Frightened Rabbit with The Moth and The Mirror, B.A. Club, Fort WilliamSat 28th Nov, Frightened Rabbit with Phantom Band, Tolbooth, StirlingSun 29th Nov, Frightened Rabbit with Phantom Band, Ironworks, InvernessTue 01st Dec, Frightened Rabbit with As Tall As Lions, Moshulu, AberdeenWed 02nd Dec, Frightened Rabbit with Phantom Band, Fat Sams, DundeeTue 22nd Dec, Frightened Rabbit with The Moth and The Mirror, ABC, Glasgow Fri 27th Nov, with The Moth and The Mirror, B.A. Club, Fort William Sat 28th Nov, with Phantom Band, Tolbooth, Stirling Sun 29th Nov, with Phantom Band, Ironworks, Inverness Tue 01st Dec, with As Tall As Lions, Moshulu, Aberdeen Wed 02nd Dec, with Phantom Band, Fat Sams, Dundee Tue 22nd Dec, with The Moth and The Mirror, ABC, Glasgow tuneup.org.uk

Inner Octaves will feature specially commissioned chamber concertos by Indian composer Shirish Korde, whose music is an authentic presentation of his thorough Indian, Western classical and jazz training. Edinburgh based music therapy pioneer Nigel Osborne, one of the UK¹s finest composers, will also contribute with his masterful, modernist assimilation of non Western influences, notably Indian. The programme is completed by the music of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon Oscar winner Tan Dun and the father of minimalism Terry Riley, who has studied Indian music tirelessly since the 1960s. Based around groundbreaking new concerti by these most compelling composers, Inner Octaves also features world renowned Indian violinist Jyotsna Srikanth, as well as tabla, string quartet, percussion and double bass. The makeup of the ensemble and concept of the programme will represent an outstanding opportunity for audiences across Scotand to experience daring yet immediate repertoire, performed by musicians of the highest calibre representing three continents. 'Startling virtuosity' The Scotsman 'Instrumental mastery' The Herald PERFORMERS: Award winning classical guitarist Simon Thacker, Carnatic violin virtuoso Jyotsna Srikanth, Birmingham based tabla master Sarvar Sabri, Scotland's leading string quartet the Edinburgh Quartet, Brazilian bass dynamo Mario Caribé and renowned multi-percussionist Iain Sandilands.

In 2005 Collins was due to take to the road with Tune Up when he had two life-threatening strokes. After an incredible recovery, during which he heroically battled the physical after-effects hindering his movement and speech he returned to the studio and finished the album he was working on, 'Home Again'. Within two years, he took to the stage again, having painstakingly relearned the lyrics to his songs. And in the last year alone, he has recorded six new songs due out in 2010, alongside winning the prestigious Ivor Novello Inspiration award. We are thrilled to welcome him back to his long post-poned Tune Up tour. Collins will tour alongside Glasgow party stalwarts 1990's, who have recorded both their albums with producer Bernard Butler in Collins' studio. Despite both sets of musicians long-standing mutual appreciation of each other this is the first time they have played together. Travelling to some far flung and beautiful reaches of the country, such as Orkney and Thurso, this tour will also call in at Helmsdale; a homecoming of sorts for Collins, who spent many weeks in this magical place during his recovery. The Low Miffs, featuring Malcolm Ross, formerly of Josef K, Aztec Camera and Orange Juice, will also appear in Glasgow.

One of the finest up and coming Scottish Jazz musicians and composers takes to the road with Tune Up for his first ever nationwide tour - playing his own compositions with David Dunsmuir on guitar, Ross Hamilton on bass and a host of special guest appearances. Jazz musician Alyn Cosker has emerged as a regular on the Scottish jazz scene, known to most as the drummer with the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra and for his performances alongside numerous international jazz greats. Most recently, he stepped in to replace Paolo Vinaccia to great acclaim on a couple of dates on the Tune Up tour that featured Tommy Smith and Arild Anderson. So impressed was Tommy Smith, that he has agreed to guest on Alyn's own Tune Up tour this May. Cosker is also coming to light as a talented composer and this, his first nationwide tour, will co-incide with his debut album release, showcasing the Alyn Cosker Trio comprising electric guitarist David Dunsmuir and Ross Hamilton on bass. Special guest will also include Tommy Smith (tnr sax), Jason Rebello (pno), Paul Towndrow (alto/sop sax), Ryan Quigley (trumpet) & Maureen McMullan (vox). "This has been my first real outlet for composition, and it will be mainly my own stuff. There are a lot of styles going on within the trio, and I wanted to challenge myself." Alyn Cosker

This is a rare opportunity to see one of Scotland's folk super-groups featuring a phenomonal line-up of Charlie McKerron (Capercaillie), Adam Sutherland (Peatbog Faeries), Gordon Gunn, Kevin Henderson, Brian MacAlpine and Tim Egey... Named Session A9 because all of the artists originate from points along this road and in a fitting tribute to their heritage, alongside a real desire to bring the music home, the tour will follow the route of the A9 road, targeting less-established venues and town halls. A perfect example of Tune Up's pledge to take high quality music off the beaten track. One of Scotland's foremost traditional/fiddle groups, Session A9 will play from their second album Bottlenecks and Armbreakers - presenting original compositions from the band themselves alongside a couple of stunning compositions from the late Gordon Duncan and tunes from new talent emerging from Scotland. Live shows have earned the Session A9 musicians the title "Scotland's Supergroup" so be sure not to miss them as they tour the CD for the first time in June, hitting up a host of venues from their hometowns up and down the A9 usually neglected on traditional touring networks.

Yet another inspired Tune Up collaboration, this tour will place Scottish-based flautist and singer Nuala Kennedy alongside the French flamenco-jazz group Azulejos. Featuring brand new material composed by Kennedy and Phillipe Guidat of Azulejos and tracks from Azulejos' new album La Fontaine Des Vignes on which Kennedy provides guest vocals, this is a rare opportunity for Scotland to witness the colourful, passionate and energetic music performed by international flamenco and world-jazz stars and one of the leading lights of the traditional music scene.

The very highly regarded US Appalachian Old Time band, the Stairwell Sisters hit the UK for their first full Scottish tour after a remarkable performance with Celtic Connections last year. With a knack for infusing the old music with intoxicating energy and soul, the Stairwell Sisters will play from new release Get Off Your Money and accompanying the music will be a unique step-dancing/clogging collaboration between Evie Landen and Scottish step-dancer JOHN SIKORSKI of the Scottish Step Dance Co. San Francisco's all-gal urban old-time teardown, THE STAIRWELL SISTERS have amassed a rowdy repertoire of timeless tunes plus a solid standing of smart, original material that is winning praise on a international level as counter-culturalists of every generation enjoy their energetic musicianship, tight vocal arrangements and red-hot buckdancing. In the Spring of 2008 they released their third CD, Get Off Your Money, produced by Austin's Lloyd Maines (Dixie Chicks, Waybacks). The Stairwell Sisters have come quite far since founding members Lisa Berman and Sue Sandlin began practicing vocal harmonies in a stairwell at work. Their third release showcases the all-female string band's authentic old-time sound with the band's present-day interpretations and original compositions. The five member band arranges traditional fiddle tunes and old-time standbys by running music through the "Sister Mill". In this way, songs take on new energies and identities. Thus, songs depicting timeless themes such as working class struggles, love, and loss regain their relevancy Line Up: Stephanie Prausnitz (fiddle/vocals), Evie Ladin (banjo/clogging/vocals), Lisa Berman (dobro/vocals). Martha Hawthorne (bass/vocals) and Sue Sandlin (guitar/tiple/vocals)

Another classically original Tune Up collaboration as one of the finest Scottish-based jazz musicians and composers Julian Arguelles teams up with the internationally renowned jazz guitarist John Abercrombie. Expect seven new compositions written by Arguelles alongside state-of-the-art improvisation delivered by four very powerful players and international jazz stars.

It all started with a session. In August 2007, Betse Ellis and Tim Matthew sat behind the Famous Spiegeltent during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, trading Scottish and American fiddle tunes when Betse said to Tim "we ought to do this more often". These concerts will feature both traditional Scottish music and its American counterparts, and American music that influences current day Scottish musicians (and vice versa). Named for a traditional fiddle tune and song, "Across the Sea" celebrates an interchange of musical ideas from the past and present, but rather than examine this migrated music from an analytical or musicological perspective, it will be done via a live-performance and concert format that will bring the well-catalogued historical travel to life. The tour features some of the finest musicians from all over the world. From Scotland, Kris Drever (Traditional Instrumentalist of the Year - 2008), from Ireland Eamonn Coyne (Salsa Celtica) and from the US Betse Ellis, Caleb Klauder & Sammy Lind.

A collaborative tour bringing together two major names from the nu-folk field; James Yorkston from Scotland and rising star Lisa Knapp from England. Featuring work from new albums by each artist and with accompanying musicians drawn from the bands of both artists, this is their first Scottish tour. "A couple of my favourite aspects of being a working musician are visiting interesting places and collaborating with other musicians. Tune-Up allows for both - a great prospect. I've worked with Lisa Knapp before, but only on one-off events; the thought of playing with her and her band throughout a tour is something I look forward to. Musically, I expect this tour to be one of the highlights of an already busy looking year." James Yorkston

De Rosa's strengths lie in their ability to fashion unforgettable melodies from unconventional song structures; Martin Henry's contemplative, vivid lyrics - often referencing local areas from his native Lanarkshire – tend to linger in the memory long after the music has faded, which, given the scarcity of genuinely affecting music nowadays, ought to elevate De Rosa to the ranks of Scotland's finest songwriters. Following the critical acclaim heaped on their debut Mend (one of MOJO's Albums of 2006), and the drafting in of an additional member, the band set about perfecting their unique blend of urban, parochial folk and angular, twisted guitar lines, enhanced considerably this time round with layers of keyboards and electronica.

Norway's leading Hardanger fiddler Nils Økland and Scottish harpist Catriona Mackay perform ancient and contemporary interpretations of traditional folk from Norway and the northern reaches of Scotland. Catriona McKay and Nils Økland have established themselves as two of the leading lights of the contemporary folk scene in the UK and Scandinavia. They are vital links between ancient musical traditions and the future; using the language of their heritage to create new sound worlds. There is also a deep historical resonance to this collaboration as the links between Norway and the northernmost edges of Scotland date back many centuries, with Shetland and Orkney under the jurisdiction of Norway until the late 15th Century. The language, people, place names and the music still have roots that reveal Norse influences.

As one of Scotland's most respected ensembles and foremost chamber group, the Hebrides Ensemble present On The Brink: a beautiful and powerful programme of music written in Nazi concentration camps that celebrates the flowering of the human spirit in the most inhumane of circumstances. On The Brink is a programme of music written between 1939 and 1941 that includes work by major composers Gordon Klein and Hans Krasa written when they were both held in the Theresienstadt Camp in Nazi Germany. Hans Krasa was eventually sent off to Auschwitz, from which he never returned. The Second World War also almost ended Bela Bartok's career; he wrote his String quartet No 6 just before fleeing Hungary for the US. PROGRAMME Kaddish: The Jewish Prayer for the Dead Gideon Klein: String Trio Hans Krasa: Passacaglia and Fugue Bela Bartok: String Quartet No. 6

Rumba Caliente are one of the U.K.'s most exciting dance floor jazz groups with a unique and original Afro-Latin/Salsa-Soul sound. Led by Salsa Celtica's Toby Shippey and featuring Lino Rocha on lead vocals, the group were formed around the Edinburgh and Glasgow club scene bringing their mix of roots Afro Cuban, New York Latin jazz/soul, South American salsa and UK jazz to a normally DJ led club audience. Combining musicians from the heartlands of salsa (Venezuela, Cuba and New York) with some of Scotland's most exciting jazz and world music players the group effortlessly move from salsa to soul, latin-jazz to funk, raga to rumba and back to salsa again. The group have built a fantastic reputation for thrilling live shows, playing Jazz and World music festivals throughout the UK and Europe, and have appeared live in session on Radio Scotland, Radio 2 and 3. Thanks to the Tune Up tour fund Rumba Caliente will be taking their urban Latino sound to the East, West, North and South of Scotland for a pure latin-jazz celebration taking in everything from village halls to city club venues and concert halls. The tour will have two legs: October and March) with the group heading to the studio to record an album at the end of the first season (to be released on London's Freestyle label in 2009).

"The trio of Arild Andersen, Tommy Smith and Paolo Vinaccia is one of the most exciting new groups to appear on the European jazz scene in years. Anchored by the massively sonorous, muscular double bass playing of Andersen, who has been one of the major figures in Scandinavian jazz since his early 1970s work with Jan Garbarek, the group marries melodic invention with crisp rhythms and rich colouring. Scottish saxophonist Smith's tough yet tender tenor playing and Italian-born, Norwegian-based Vinaccia's creative, imaginative drumming combine with Andersen's remarkable flexibility and use of multi-layered lines to create a sound that's orchestral in scope and yet superbly mobile."

First premiered at the Cambridge Folk Festival in 2007 this Tune Up sponsored tour utilizes the myriad of styles currently within folk music and features instrumental arrangements, folk-rock ballads and a new Gaelic lament from Julie Fowlis, who lends her pure precise voice to the Scottish leg of the tour. The Under One Sky line-up also includes Idlewild front man Roddy Woomble, Iain MacDonald on bagpipes, flute and whistles, guitarist Ian Carr, award-winning musician of the year accordionist Andy Cutting, bassist Ewen Vernal, percussionist James Mackintosh, and Teenage Fanclub member Norman Blake.

Catriona Macdonald is a proud bearer of one of the world's great fiddle traditions, that of the Shetland Isles, and widely respected as both a member of Blazin Fiddles, founder of String Sisters and a gifted fiddler in her own right. This Tune Up tour brings a rare chance for Catriona to play many of the traditional venues which support the vibrant folk scene in Scotland. The concerts will be based around the new material found on Catriona`s long awaited new album Over the Moon with David Milligan (piano) , Conrad Ivitsky (double bass) and James Mackintosh (drums/percussion) comprising the all star band who play on both record and tour.

Injuns (originally from Skye) have an illustrious history of doing it for themselves: having self-released three singles and an album, joined up with the Kopparberg Collective for a vinyl release, and written and performed a musical based the love of a ghost for a still living woman, they now embark on a tour of the towns and islands that gave birth to their remarkable and inventive sound. They will be taking with them an equally outstanding emerging talent from Denmark. Claes Cem is a songwriter, guitarist and lyrical storyteller who has played extensively to wide acclaim in Copenhagen, wider Denmark as well as the States and the U.K. over the last couple of years. The Tune Up podcast is produced by Inner Ear for Tune Up.

For the 2007 to 2008 season we featured 12 tours: Brebach, Optical Identity, Shooglenifty and Tanya Tagaq Gillis, Roddy Hart and Leeroy Stagger, Fraser Fifield Band with Nedyalko Nedyalkov Quartet, Eska Mtungwazi Band, Reinventing The Reel, Aye, An Affirmation of Martyn Bennett, Club Tromolo, Burnsong and Differences in Demolitions.

"Differences in Demolitions" presents a powerful story of conflict, greed and desire in a world surrounded by destruction and demolition. Hassan, a building worker, cherishes a secret love for Sevda. His family Han (an inn) is cursed. A mythical woman embroiders love, life and fate into a scarf which becomes torn. Sevda begins her journey which unravels, like the scarf, to reveal a tale of love, longing and revenge.

Burnsong is a national project dedicated to promoting, encouraging and nurturing songwriting in Scotland. Established writers from a variety of genres are invited to live and write together for 5 days in the beautiful Dumfries and Galloway Countryside. The brave writers this time included: Karine Polwart, Emma Pollock, Sushil K Dade (Future Pilot AKA), MC Soom T, Kenny Anderson (King Creosote), Chris Difford, and Michael Johnston (all the way from Canada).

Club Tromolo takes its brand of wonky cabaret, music and dancing on the road around Scotland. The List dubbed it 'The most original club night in years'. Witness amazing acts such as eccentric trombone-playing toff Sir Clifton Sainsbury who amazes with his cabaret within a cabaret and recitals of horror theme tunes on trombone; Miss Leggy Pee who charms her audience with easy listening classics and fashion circa 1933 and star pupil of Cirque du twattes scarey Belgium mime artiste Le Coq Sorbonne. The cabaret is hosted by Frank Percy OBE who got lost in Glasgow on a day trip from Macclesfield and decided to start the night off with his contacts in the ferret juggling world. Foul mouthed usherette Dierdre will be on hand and you can get your fortune told by the Govan Seer (a psychic from Govan); mingle with Malcolm the thespian gorilla and Jazzbadger (a badger who plays jazz). Semi-forgotten folk combo, Fairpak Convention (Kozmik Colin & Hamper Van Wicklow) will be on hand to sing their 1971 no 41 pipe-smoking hit, 'A Finger Of Rough Shag'. After the cabaret, Glasgow band A Band Called Quinn play. According to The Scotland On Sunday they might be "Glasgow's greatest band". This year sees the release of their album 'Sun, Moon, Star' which is hotly tipped. To round the night off DJ Isambard Kingdom Brunel will spin some discs for people to dance to...

Mr McFall's Chamber is a flexible ensemble of mostly classical players for whom the lure of other musical styles has proved irresistible. They are well known for their eclectic mix of musical genres, programming classical and contemporary composers alongside rock, tango, klezmer and jazz. This effortless blurring of music's pigeonholes makes for an ideal partnership with gifted composer and multi-instrumentalist Fraser Fifield, who successfully combines traditional music with Scottish folk and jazz. Joining the musicians are percussionists Tom Bancroft and James Mackintosh. Together they perform a programme celebrating the legacy of the late lamented Martyn Bennett, who was one of Scotland's most feted young musicians for his bold musical synthesis of traditional tunes, dance music and classical sensibility. The programme highlights Bennett's profound understanding of the Scottish folk tradition, featuring well known Bennett works e.g Cuillin Music alongside Piece for String Quartet, Percussion and Scottish Small Pipes in C, an early work thought to have been lost until a copy turned up in the Arts Council's files. The Scottish flavour is further enhanced with music by Fraser Fifield and a reworking of Eddie Maguire's Nocturnes. A Latin – American component in the typical McFall's style completes the programme including music by Alvares and Piazzolla.

Reinventing the Reel brings together an explosive mix of talent from Scotland's current wealth of world class traditional musicians. As well the unique repertoire of these two thrilling trios they will join as one magnificent ensemble to perform some brand new music with a contemporary slant on Scottish traditional music. Lau are Kris Drever (guitar and vocals), Aidan O'Rourke (fiddle) and Martin Green (accordion). They have quickly established themselves as a major force in modern traditional music. Their debut album "Lightweights and Gentlemen" was released in March 2007 to great critical acclaim and they have already secured major festival bookings across Europe and North America in 2007 and 2008. The Ross Ainslie/ Jarlath Henderson Trio are Ross Ainslie (Scottish Small Pipes), Jarlath Henderson (Uilleann Pipes) and Ali Hutton (Guitar and Bodhran) The trio are "high energy pipe fiends from Scotland and Ireland". Their debut album is out on Vertical Records later this year.

Eska Mtungwazi brought her acclaimed band to Scotland for a series of performances around the country. Merging the boundaries between soul, jazz, folk and world music, Eska's unique vocal style and impeccable musicianship has guaranteed her fans around the globe after collaborations with artists as diverse as Nitin Sawhney, Tony Allen, Ty, Cinematic Orchestra and Courtney Pine. Her band consists of some of the most in demand players in the UK: Julian Ferraretto (Violin), Anselmo Netto (Mandolin and Percussion), Robin Malarkey (Bass), David Okumo (Electric Guitar) and Tom Skinner (Drums). Previous performances include the North Sea Jazz Festival, London's Jazz Cafè, Barbados Jazz Festival and the Montreaux Jazz Festival.

Fraser Fifield Band is one of the most distinctive sounding groups working in Scotland today and comprises: Fraser Fifield on low whistle, soprano sax and bagpipes, Graeme Stephen on guitar, David Robertson on percussion and Guy Nicholson also on percussion. The band grew out of the successful earlier line-up, The Fraser Fifield Trio which had been performing since March 2003 headlining concerts at important music festivals such as Celtic Connections, The Highland Festival, Rootin Aboot at the Lemon Tree, Edinburgh Fringe, Edinburgh Jazz Festival, Islay Jazz Festival and Big Big World Festival and further afield at Baku Jazz Festival. Nedyalko Nedyalkov Quartet comprises four of the most talented and respected musicians in Bulgaria today, frequently described as 'Master Musicians'. The band features Nedyalko Nedylakov on kaval, Georgi Petrov on gadulka, Angel Dimitrov on tamboura and Stoimenka Nedyalkova on vocals. All are great improvisers, at home in a number of musical styles, whilst having the strongest traditional music roots.

In a relatively short time, Roddy Hart has established himself as an important and influential emerging talent on the Scottish musical scene. At only 26, and with his eyes fixed firmly on re-igniting the merits of classic songwriting, his already prolific work has generated a substantial fan base. Following in the wake of artists like Dylan, Springsteen, Browne, Young and Finn, his guitar, harmonica and piano-driven songs impact on all who hear them and have subsequently earned him much respect from fans and critics alike. A run of sold-out shows and great reviews have him earmarked as one of Scotland's best kept secrets and destined for great things.

Shooglenifty and Tanya were first thrown together at during a workshop in Yellowknife Music Festival, Yukon territory, Northern Canada. Since then they have collaborated onstage and on record, at The Salmon Arm Blues and Roots Festival, and during Celtic Connections 2007, where Tanya and the band stunned a capacity audience at the Old Fruitmarket. As well as recording two television shows, one for the BBC and the other for Mac TV, Tanya also features on Shooglenifty's latest CD Troots. Shooglenifty and Tanya Tagaq Gillis toured between the 14th and 24th of November, playing dates in Findhorn, Orkney, Cromarty, Glenuig, Aberdeen, Mull, Edinburgh, Langholm, Drumnadrochit and Dundee.

Optical Identity is a daring work that combines chamber music repertoire with new music and visuals, creating music to be looked at... not just listened to. "flashes of inspired synchronicity that fired the senses into overdrive, even euphoria." The Scotsman The show features some of the best contemporary music from across the globe; Kevin Volans' White Man Sleeps with its South African influence; Franghiz Ali Zadeh's Mugam Sayagi focusing on a secret 16th century Islamic language, Rolf Wallin's Phonotope I exploring the Chinese elements and Manual Override, a commission from Joby Talbot, best known for his work with The Divine Comedy, and as collaborator with Wayne McGregor in the award-winning Chroma.

Breabach blend double bagpipes, whistle, fiddle, song and Scottish stepdance to create an innovative Celtic style full of flare, excitement and diversity rarely seen in such a young group. Winners of the Danny Kyle Award Open Stage Award at Celtic Connections in 2005 the group have recently released their debut album The Big Spree on Vertical Records, produced by Capercaillie's Donald Shaw. In October 2007, Breabach set off around Scotland in a trusty old van with bags of instruments and enthusiasm. This episode captures their adventures in fine spirits.

The last episode in the 2006-2007 season on Tune Up podcasts is an extended omnibus edition. Series producer Bobby Perman is joined in the studio by Stuart Thomas from the Scottish Arts Council as they reflect on highlights from all ten episodes. Hear words and music from King Creosote and Jeremy Warmsley, Dom Trio, Hebrides Ensemble and Scottish Dance Theatre, Burnsong, Bellows and Bows, Julie Fowlis and Jenna Reid, Tinariwen, Aberfeldy, Paul Towndrow Sextet and Shadowed Spaces.

There are places in the towns and cities where you live that exist not by planned design, but by circumstance. Their elusive ambience attracts those with nowhere else to go, and those who wish to go elsewhere. Shadowed Spaces is a tour of nooks and crannies like these, in your towns and cities: forgotten steps that lead nowhere, alleyways, old railway tunnels. They placed musical performances in these spaces that helped spectators to think about the continued need for a sense of privacy in public.

Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham, who will embark on their 20th touring year together in 2007 are best summed up in the words of Mike Russell, who wrote in The Glasgow Herald "They are simply the best traditional musicians you are ever likely to hear" The Savoy Doucet Cajun Band Marc and Ann Savoy, along with Michael Doucet create and interpret authentic old-time Cajun music, from popular dancehall tunes to soulful ballads, drawing upon each member's rich historical connection to their native southern Louisiana. Catching this expert, unpretentious trio is about the closest most of us will ever get to hearing an authentic Cajun bash on a screened-in bayou porch. Bengan Janson & Bjorn Stabi Bjorn Stabi is without doubt a legend among folk music fiddlers in Sweden and was probably the first traditional Swedish fiddler to perform in the United States. Bengan Janson is one of Sweden's greatest virtuosi on the accordion. With his evident ability to to embrace all musical styles he has collaborated with Björn Ståbi over the last ten years together developing a genuine folk music style of their own.

Paul Towndrow Alto and Soprano Saxophonist, Composer, Educator, World Saxophone Competition finalist 2003 & 2004. Paul currently leads his own group, The Paul Towndrow Quartet, is a member of The Scottish National Jazz Orchestra and has also performed with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. The Sextet took off around Scotland in summer 2007 with Tune Up. This episode captures some of their unique, quirky, character.

Featuring spiritually uplifting melodies, beguiling guitar patterns and insinuating rhythms, Tinariwen's desert blues is at once bang up to date and timeless. Forged in the heat of the Southern Sahara, this nomadic people's songs reflect the daily lives of the Touaregs, a landless tribe scattered across the Sahara and into Libya by political change and conflict during the 1980s. Tinariwen formed ten years later, creating a new music based on their own traditions and incorporating western and Arabic sounds heard in their wanderings. They co-founded the now annual and internationally prestigious Festival in the Desert, scored a worldwide success with their second album, Amassakoul, and since winning the African section of the BBC 3 World Music Awards 2005, have continued to charm audiences with their music's trance-like beauty.

What would happen if you put 8 songwriters into a house for five days? Well, there was only one way to find out... In November 2005, Burnsong invited 8 writers from the worlds of jazz, pop, rock, folk and traditional music to write together in a Georgian Mansion deep in the heart of the Dumfries and Galloway Countryside. Boo Hewerdine, David Scott, Niki King, Emily Smith, Geoff Martyn, Marc Pilley, Riley Briggs and Sophie Bancroft picked up the gauntlet but with some trepidation – Who were these other people? Will I be able to write with a total stranger? Will there be prima donnas, divas and tantrums? If I get writers block will they cast me out? Where on earth is this place anyway? It took less then a few hours for these fears to dispel and to be replaced by a magical mix of music, writing, creativity and laughter. Just 5 days later the Burnsong 8 took the stage for the first time to perform the astonishing 24 songs they had written in those few days. And what songs they were – moving, haunting, beautiful, soulful, sad, laugh out loud funny and even, at times, a little disco. Their performances during Burnsong –Live! proved what amazing things can be done when you give people the space and the freedom to experiment and create. It seemed that our experiment had worked, these 8 writers had come together and in such a short time created something truly special and unique, a true reflection of the real talent, imagination and passion for great music that exists in our country today. But it was not to end there, and with the support of Tune-Up the Burnsong Song House writers are going out on the road, bringing their songs and their stories to audiences around Scotland. Who are the Burnsong Song House 8? Sophie Bancroft Sophie is a renowned Jazz Singer and Songwriter and experienced educator. Based in Edinburgh she is currently performing and promoting her recent album Hot and Cold www.sophiebancroft.co.uk Riley Briggs Riley is the singer/songwriter for Edinburgh based band Aberfeldy. Their new critically acclaimed album Do Whatever Turns You On was released in July 2006 and they have just completed a UK wide tour. www.aberfeldys.com Boo Hewerdine Former member of band The Bible, Boo is now a successful solo artist and also pens songs for numerous other writers including Eddi Reader. He has recently recorded an album of songs written for and with other artists – Harmonograph. www.boohewerdine.net Niki King In 2001 Niki won the prestigious Perrier Jazz Vocalist Award. Since then she has released 4 critically acclaimed albums. She is currently preparing to record an album of new material. www.nikiking.co.uk Geoff Martyn Geoff is a singer songwriter first and foremost and has written with Chris Difford along with many others. He is also a producer, engineer and has performed with other artists including Roddy Hart. www.myspace.com/geoffmartyn Marc Pilley Marc is the driving force and songwriter with Mercury Award nominated band Hobotalk. Hobotalk have been touring throughout the UK and Europe and are currently working on new album of material. www.hobotalk.com David Scott Founding member of The Pearlfishers, David is also a member of BMX bandits and performs solo. He is an experienced music educationalist and has recently become a lecturer at Paisley University. www.pearlfishers.co.uk Emily Smith Winner of BBC Radio Scotland's Young Scottish Traditional Musician of the Year Award in 2002, Emily has appeared as part of the Unusual Suspects as well as toured with her band around the world and is currently working on a new album www.emilysmith.org What is Burnsong? Burnsong is a national project dedicated to promoting, encouraging and nurturing songwriting in Scotland. Burnsong events include songwriting workshops for schools, professional development courses for writers as well as live music events in Dumfries and across Scotland and a national songwriting competition. In January 2007, Burnsong will launch its second ever Songwriting Competition, the Burnsong Gathering. Discover the Song Inside. For more information go to www.burnsong.com or e-mail info@burnsong.com

Aberfeldy are an indie pop band formed in Edinburgh, Scotland in 2002. The band are named after the Scottish town of the same name, Aberfeldy. Band Members: a.. Riley Briggs - songwriting, vocals, guitar, organ b.. Murray Briggs - drums c.. Ruth Barrie - keyboard, vocals, glockenspiel d.. Sarah McFadyen - fiddle, vocals, mandolin, banjo, glockenspiel e.. Ken McIntosh - bass In 2004 Aberfeldy signed to Rough Trade Records before releasing their first album and several singles. As well as touring throughout the UK, Aberfeldy have supported R.E.M. at their Loch Lomond gig, and Blondie and the Scissor Sisters at Edinburgh's Hogmanay celebrations (2004), and played at T in the Park (2005). Aberfeldy received funding from the Scottish Arts Council to travel to Austin, Texas to play at the 2005 and 2006 South by South West Festival. Several Aberfeldy songs were used in the soundtrack of Gamerz, a Scottish comedy film, while the song "Summer's Gone" was used in Argentina to advertise Quilmes beer. Original drummer Ian Stoddart (one time member of Win) departed in late 2005 and was replaced by Murray Briggs. Aberfeldy toured the UK in May/June 2006. For part of that tour Aberfeldy supported The Beautiful South, picking up many new fans on the way. A well received new album "Do Whatever Turns You On" was released by Rough Trade on July 3, 2006.

Hailing from Shetland, Jenna grew up immersed in the islands rich fiddle tradition. At the age of nine, she began to learn the fiddle, and was taught by the late Dr Tom Anderson. When fiddle tuition became available in schools, Jenna studied with the late Willie Hunter and was under his direction until the age of 13; during that time she was a prominent prize-winner in the 'Shetlands Young Fiddler of the Year Competition' and by the age of 14 had won both the intermediate and open sections of this annual competition. Through this success she was subsequently invited to compete in the Glennfiddich Fiddle Competition. Whilst still at school Jenna also took lessons from Trevor Hunter and Margaret Scollay. In addition to playing the fiddle, Jenna also studied classical piano. On leaving school, Jenna went on to study a BA in Traditional Scottish Music at the Royal Academy of Music & Drama in Glasgow. Whilst studying fiddle, she also played piano and piano accordion, as well as being introduced to singing. Julie Fowlis is from North Uist, a small island in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, now based in the mainland Highlands of Scotland. She sings in Scottish Gaelic and spends her time touring around the world performing Gaelic music and song. She is an accomplished musician as well - playing Highland bagpipes, whistles and even oboe & cor anglais. She was recently awarded the BBC Radio 2 Horizon Award 2006 for Best Emerging Artist and was also voted Gaelic Singer of the Year 2005 at the Scots Trad Music Awards. She is very chuffed about this and her Mam and Dad have the awards up in the living room.

Hebrides Ensemble has built a reputation as Scotland's foremost chamber group, touring frequently throughout Scotland, appearing at international music festivals and broadcasting regularly on BBC Radio 3. Its concerts are acclaimed for their imaginative and innovative programming and for the outstanding quality of performance. For its work in 2005 Hebrides Ensemble was nominated for a Royal Philharmonic Society award. The Ensemble has commissioned and premiered new works by more than forty composers including Gordon Mcpherson, Nigel Osborne, Lyell Cresswell and Haflidi Hallgrimsson and performs a celebrated series of concerts each year at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama. Festival appearances include a residency at the St. Magnus Festival, Orkney and a performances, to outstanding critical acclaim, at the 2005 and 2006 Edinburgh International Festivals. In November 2006, the Ensemble will perform a prestigious Scottish Arts Council Tune Up tour.

The Dom Trio, aka Omar Sosa, Dhafer Youssef and Marque Gilmore, enlighten us as to some of the things that drive them while on their Tune Up tour, with extracts of live performances (recorded by BBC Scotland) and photos (by Stuart Thomas).

King Creosote and Jeremy Warmsley share some moments from their Twisted Folk Tune Up tour, with extracts of live performances (recorded by BBC Scotland) and photos (by Sean Purser).